ATLANTA — The San Antonio Scorpions played to a scoreless draw against the Atlanta Silverbacks in their franchise regular-season opener Saturday night.

Playing in front of a sellout crowd of 5,000 fans at Atlanta Silverbacks Park, the Scorpions withstood the Silverbacks' attack in the first half in their first North American Soccer League game.

Scorpions goalkeeper Pat Hannigan dealt well with the Silverbacks' offense, which included World Cup veteran Danilo Turcios. The Honduran midfielder was the first to create a scoring opportunity, shooting into the side of the net from close-range in the 17th minute.

The Scorpions fired back six minutes later when midfielder Kevin Harmse tested Silverbacks goalkeeper Daniel Illyes from 20 yards. The Hungarian goalkeeper tipped the ball out for a corner after a powerful shot from Harmse.

The Scorpions and Silverbacks exchanged chances throughout the remainder of the first half, but neither team was able to finish.

The Scorpions took control midway through the second half, forcing a pair of strong saves by Illyes.

In the 57th minute, forward Hans Denissen blasted a low shot that was punched out for a corner kick.

Shortly after, forward Pablo Campos came close to putting the Scorpions ahead with a breakaway opportunity. Illyes came out and kicked away the Brazilian's effort.

“I am very proud of the fight our players showed and it was noticeable that we got stronger and stronger as the game went on,” Scorpions coach Tim Hankinson said. “By the end of the game we had the majority of chances and I felt we were the better team.”

A pair of late efforts by defender Kohei Matsushita and Nico Colaluca nearly gave the Silverbacks an opening night victory. But Hannigan was up to the task.